A comparative analysis of curcumin and clobetasol propionate in management of patients with oral lichen planus

Our aim in this research note is to compare curcumin and clobetasol propionate in management of patients with oral lichen planus. Sixty- four patients of OLP were divided where 32 patients were put in group I in which patients received 0.1% triamcinolone and in group 2, 32 patients received 5% curcumin paste for 4 weeks. Measurement of the appearance score and severity of pain was done at baseline and at the end of 2 and 4 weeks. We found that complete remission in pain was seen in 30% in group 1 and 35% in group 2, good response in 28% in group 1 and 17% in group 2, poor response in 24% in group 1 and 25% in group 2 and no response in 18% in group 1 and 33% in group 2. A non- significant difference among good and no response was seen (P<0.05). Oral lichen planus is common inflammatory autoimmune disease. Curcumin in our study showed slightly better results than triamcinolone, hence suggesting that it can be used in patients with oral lichen planus.